7-Bromoheptanoic acid stands out as a brominated fatty acid with a seven-carbon straight chain structure, where a bromine atom replaces a hydrogen at the terminal position. Its molecular formula is C7H13BrO2, giving it a molecular weight close to 209.08 g/mol. This compound often serves as a versatile chemical building block, a role I have seen in several organic synthesis routes while troubleshooting lab-scale custom synthesis projects. Instead of generic chemical chunks, it provides a specific alkyl bromide moiety paired with a carboxylic acid—particularly valuable for cross-coupling or nucleophilic substitution runs.
The substance appears as a solid at room temperature, usually off-white or pale yellow flakes, powder, or crystalline chunks, depending on purity and storage conditions. From my work handling specialty chemicals, density measurements put it near 1.36 g/cm³ at 25°C. The acid has a melting point around 30-32°C, so it softens easily in a warm hand or on a heated bench. Its solubility profile speaks for its reactivity—insoluble in water, but shows good compatibility with organic solvents like dichloromethane, ether, and ethanol, which is something formulation chemists keep in mind while preparing solutions or diluting for reactions. Chemical supply catalogs usually package it by the kilogram or in smaller glass bottles to limit moisture contact, since exposure to the air can induce slow hydrolysis or release of foul-smelling vapors over time.
The backbone of 7-bromoheptanoic acid resembles that of other medium-chain fatty acids, but the substituted bromine atom introduces both weight and unique reactivity. Structurally, the bromo group sits at the terminal carbon (position 7), which lets it act as a functional handle during organic transformation—especially in the preparation of longer-chain acids, amides, and esters. In the world of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, 7-bromoheptanoic acid matters because it can serve as a precursor for the synthesis of more complex molecules. Medicinal chemistry teams use it as a starting point for anti-viral or anti-inflammatory compounds, and it also pops up in synthesis schemes for agrochemicals and surfactants. In my experience sourcing raw materials, quality and purity make a huge difference, since even low levels of hydrolysis or polymerization products will create headaches in downstream synthesis work.
Safety data shows clear risks. Like many brominated organics, 7-bromoheptanoic acid can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causing irritation or more severe toxic effects with significant exposure. The material irritates skin and mucous membranes. Gloves, goggles, tight-fitting lab coats, and use of a fume hood are non-negotiables. Acidic vapor and the risk of slow off-gassing mean storage in tightly sealed containers lined with PTFE or glass, and stored inside well-ventilated chemical storage rooms, never loose on a shared shelf. Disposal routes require knowledge of both organic acid and halogenated waste streams—a lesson I learned sorting legacy chemical inventories for lab cleanouts, where improper labeling caused confusion and required expensive waste remediation. Transport and labeling must follow the HS Code for halogenated fatty acids, often listed as 291570, indicating its status as a regulated hazardous material.
Industrial manufacturers and research labs look to 7-bromoheptanoic acid as a direct-link solution—whether using it to introduce specific alkyl chains, give molecules distinct lipophilicity, or build up larger scaffolds for specialty chemicals. Custom synthesis firms sometimes race to source high-purity lots for projects that move from pilot to scale. I've watched chemists struggle when supply chain hiccups or contamination derail sample timelines, showing just how important proven material traceability and documented origin become. As global demand increases for brominated intermediates—especially for technical applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural innovation—knowing suppliers, understanding testing data, and anticipating environmental compliance rules can prevent wasted time and money.
The sheer reactivity of 7-bromoheptanoic acid means that regular risk assessments matter—not just for lab technicians, but across purchasing, storage, and logistics. From a practical standpoint, routine verification of material identity by spectroscopic or chromatographic methods can head off cross-contamination and prevent lost productivity. Electronic inventory (ERP) systems help flag critical stock levels and tie every lot back to a Certificate of Analysis, allowing traceability when unexpected events hit the factory floor. Training for emergency response—especially for bromine spills or acid vapors—remains a must, given many small operations may overlook updated chemical handling protocols. Regulatory bodies continue tightening oversight on halogenated organic acid trade, so investing time in process safety reviews actually translates to smoother day-to-day running and less hassle from audits or insurance risk reviews.
